What’s a String Quartet and Why Should You Hire One for Your Wedding?
LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW A GOOD STRING QUARTET (OR STRING TRIO) ADDS THAT PERFECT TOUCH OF ELEGANCE AND UNIQUE FUN TO YOUR WEDDING DAY
First off, what exactly is a string quartet?
A string quartet is composed of four instruments: two violins, one viola, and one cello.
Generally, each instrument has a role (particularly in string quartet arrangements of popular songs): The first violinist plays the melodic line, the second violinist and violist provide middle voicing and counter melodies, and the cellist provides the rhythm and/or bass line.
The viola is slightly larger in size than the violin, and has a lower note range than the violin. The cello is the largest of the three instruments and has the lowest note range of the instruments.
Composers have been writing for this particular blend of instruments since about the mid-18th century.
The string quartet, from left to right: Viola, Violin, Cello, and Violin
What can they play?
Most string players start with classical training, so the string quartet you hire should be able to play all of the popular (wedding) Classical repertoire — Canon in D, Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, etc.
String quartets can also be incredibly versatile!
Many wedding quartets these days are able to perform pop, rock and contemporary songs in addition to standard classical wedding favorites.
Many modern couples are choosing to mix genres from one song to the next: For example, Canon in D for the processional and “Marry You” by Bruno Mars for the recessional.
We still have couples who choose an all-classical set list, but the majority of our clients enjoy being able to choose a mixed playlist of classical and contemporary songs.
Why not hire a DJ for your wedding ceremony?
A string quartet that is at home playing Canon in D and Led Zeppelin can provide a much-needed uniformity of “voice” and sound concept for your wedding ceremony.
Instead of hearing recorded music from different groups, singers, and instrumentations, a string quartet can provide an aural flow that can greatly enhance your wedding ceremony.
A string quartet will also allow you to pick songs that you normally would not think “appropriate” for a wedding.
Some of the more unusual (and wonderful) songs that we have played for a wedding processional include “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap, and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC!
Couples get to hear their favorite songs as they walk down the aisle played by beautiful stringed instruments.
For example …
For your wedding processional, imagine hearing “Canon in D” as your wedding party walks down the aisle. Then, “At Last” as you start your walk.
As your ceremony concludes with your kiss and the officiant announcing you as a newly married couple, you hear the unmistakeable opening notes of “Sweet Child O’Mine:”
In our next post, we will talk about what to look for when hiring a string quartet in your area!
